Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Newport News

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Newport News

Newport News, Va. – Officials say a raccoon that was killed by a dog near Colony Road and Putney Road in Newport News tested positive for rabies.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Officials say they will be contacting residents in the area as well as community organizations.

The Peninsula Health District is reminding citizens to vaccinate pets, report all exposures to animals to their doctors or local health department, enjoy wildlife from a distance, and avoid feeding pets outside.

If you’ve been exposed to the animal, please call the Health Department at 757-594-7340. You can also call 757-595-7387 after hours.